WBC super welterweight champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison and former world champion Jermell Charlo continued their verbal sparring and nearly came to blows at a heated press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, as they previewed their rematch on December 21 on FOX from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Harrison vs. Charlo II has been building ever since the end of the first matchup on December 22, 2018. The two were set to meet on June 23, but the rematch was postponed when Harrison suffered torn ligaments after spraining his ankle in training.

Tony Harrison: “I could beat him anywhere, it doesn’t matter. We could fight in this room right now. Nothing is going to change…his words definitely sparked the fuel in me that’s on fire now. He talks loud, but he’s not going to do anything. He doesn’t have the skillset to beat me.”

Jermell Charlo: “I know that I won that first fight and I’m going to do things in a more dominant fashion this time. I’m going to be overpowering and ferocious. It will be the best Jermell Charlo. My plan is to show everyone that Tony Harrison is not on my level.”

Female super bantamweight Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (14-2, 4 KOs) and WBC world champion Fatuma Zarika (32-12-2, 17 KOs) faced off at the final press conference for their clash on Saturday at the Poliforo in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, México. Mercado is looking to become the first female world champion born in the state of Chihuahua.

Yamileth Mercado: Everything is ready to make history. This is the most important fight of my career, the fact of being the first world champion from Chihuahua and achieving this dream at home is a great motivation and that is why we had a great preparation. I am ready with a firm objective. I will not fail. This is an honor and a dream come true to fight for the world championship at home. Everyone’s support drives me. I thank Mayor Carlos Tena, 2M Promotions, Zanfer Promotions and TV Azteca for making this fight a reality!”

Fatuma Zarika: “I’m very excited to come to the homeland of Yamileth. She went to fight me at my house and now it is my turn to come to her house. I know it’s going to be a great fight, but my fists will speak for me and I’m going to go home with my belt.”

Photos

Erik Vega 146.5 vs. Alberto Palmetta 146
Marcos Escudero 174.5 vs. Joe George 173.5
Amilcar Vidal Jr. 160.5 vs. Zach Prieto 160

Venue: WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa
Promoter: Sampson Boxing
TV: Showtime

Junior Fa 267.6 vs. Devin Vargas 218.6
Hemi Ahio 231.6 vs. Joshua Tufte 269
Ivan Golub 146.2 vs. Janer Gonzalez
Brooklyn, NY Cartagena, Colombia 149.4
Dennis Douglin 170 vs. Mike Guy 166.4
Ardreal Holmes 155.4 vs. Jose Abreu 158.4

Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
TV: UFC Fight Pass

Two more fights have been added the big card announced yesterday headlined by WBO junior featherweight king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete vs. Francisco “Panchito” Horta on December 7 at Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico.

In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will make the eighth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Chilean veteran Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez. The opening bout will showcase three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga against Alfredo Mejia Vargas in an eight-round featherweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Navarrete-Horta, Ancajas-Gonzalez and Marriaga-Vargas will stream live on ESPN+. Continue reading “Ancajas-Gonzalez added to Dec 7 Navarrete-Horta card”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBA #3, WBC #4, IBF #5 bantamweight Jason Maloney (19-1, 16 KOs) and his twin brother WBA #1, WBC #5, IBF #6 super flyweight Andrew Moloney (20-0, 13 KOs) will be in action respectively against WBA #9 bantamweight Dixon Flores (16-6-3, 5 KOs) and WBA#5 super flyweight Elton Dharry (24-5-1, 14 KOs) for the WBA super flyweight interim world title bout on a special early-morning edition of “Breakfast and Boxing” on ESPN+ Friday, from Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Continue reading “Maloney Bros in action tomorrow”

Rocky Fielding 176 vs. Abdallah Paziwapazi 172
Terry Flanagan 138 vs. Jayro Duran 136
Martin Murray 171 vs. Sladan Janjanin 167
Ged Carroll 136 vs. Jeff Ofori 136

Venue: Olympia, Liverpool, England
Promoter: MTK Global
TV: ESPN+

The IBF’s 37th Annual Convention will take place at The Westin in Long Beach, California from May 19 – May 23, 2020. “We are glad to once again have the opportunity to take our convention to California in celebration of our 37th year,” stated IBF President Daryl Peoples. “The California boxing community is deeply rooted in the sport. We are optimistic that this convention will be well attended and successful for us,” added Peoples. Continue reading “2020 IBF Convention in Long Beach, Calif”

Two-time Olympian and London 2012 silver medalist John Joe Nevin (12-0, 4 KOs) says he would have the fan support if he fought IBF junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer in Farmer’s hometown. “He’s from Philly where I was based for the start of my pro career,” said Nevin. “When we were on the same bill, I sold a lot more tickets than Farmer ever did. They weren’t boxing fans who attended, they were John Joe Nevin fans.”

For Nevin to get to Tevin, he needs to get past Freddy Fonseca (27-4-1, 18 KOs) on Saturday at London’s York Hall in a clash for the WBA International super featherweight championship. Nevin is a 10:1 favorite over Fonseca, who has lost two of his last three. Continue reading “Philly fight? John Joe Nevin targets Tevin Farmer”

WBA super middleweight champion Callum Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) has admitted that his dream of a hometown fight at the 54,000-seat Anfield football stadium would disappear if he loses to mandatory challenger John Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on November 23 on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

“I want the big fights, I want the superstar names and the only chance of me getting them is by having a world title, so I’ve got to keep my belt for as long as I can,” said Smith. “John Ryder poses a big threat. He wants to take what I’ve worked so hard for. I worked hard to win my world title and I’ve got to work even harder to keep it now. Continue reading “Callum Smith: I want the superstar names”

WBA #12 heavyweight Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1, 13 KOs) today unveiled his secret weapon for defeating Daniel Dubois (13-0, 12 KOs) in London on December 21: a panda. At a press conference in Tokyo’s famous Korakuen Hall, Fujimoto declared sparring with the bear was key to getting him ready to tackle his “scary” opponent. Fujimoto finished the remainder of the press conference with the bear at his side.

Fujimoto accepts that the deck is stacked against him and promoter Frank Warren has plans to make Dubois a world champion. “They think they’re going to win, of course,” Fujimoto said. “They think they’re bringing me over as an easy win, but that’s not the case. I’m ready to take on the world.”

Female super bantamweight Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (14-2, 4 KOs) and WBC world champion Fatuma Zarika (32-12-2, 17 KOs) showed their skills on Wednesday during a public workout in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, México.

Mercado is looking to become the first female world champion born in the state of Chihuahua when they clash on Saturday.

“Let’s make history,” said Mercado, “the world championship of the will stay in Chihuahua. I thank the government of the city led by Mayor Carlos Tena, promoters Zanfer and 2M Promotions and the WBC for making this fight possible in my hometown. I will repay your trust with a big victory!” Continue reading “Mercado-Zarika public workout”

It’s official. WBO jr featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, will be making his third defense in five months on December 7 at the 10,000+ seat Auditorio GNP Seguros in the city of Puebla (about two hours east of Mexico City). Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) will defend against WBO #13 rated Francisco “Panchito” Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs).

Both fighters attended a kick-off press conference today.

Emanuel Navarrete: I always go for the knockout, I think it’s best to win by knockout and on December 7 the people of Puebla will see a great fight!”

Francisco Horta: ”On December 7th people will know me. Expect a war, we are going for the championship of the world!” Continue reading “Navarrete-Horta announced for Dec 7”

Heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz, who challenges WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder in a PPV rematch on November 23, has accused Wilder of using illegal tactics in their first fight. “I think that some of the things that Wilder did and the antics that Wilder does could be dealt with differently this time around, the illegal things,” said Ortiz during a conference call with reporters.

“Blows that he throws with the inside of his fists, punching down from the top of the head down and all kinds of craziness that he does, which makes it very difficult to get settled in any fight and quite frankly should be illegal and BORDERLINE CRIMINAL!”

When asked about Ortiz’s allegations, Wilder stated, “You know I have never heard of that so I think that he is being sarcastic. Only thing that’s criminal is me hitting people with the right hand and almost killing them. That’s the only thing I can go with. Continue reading “Luis Ortiz: Wilder tactics illegal/borderline criminal”

WBA super featherweight world champion Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (21-4-2, 16 KOs) hosted a media workout yesterday at KnuckleHeadz Boxing in Ventura, Calif. ahead of his 12-round title defense against Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (31-8, 20 KOs). The fight will place November 23 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

The same day in Las Vegas, Leo Santa Cruz fights Miguel Flores for the WBA super featherweight “super” world title. Cancio doesn’t like it. “I think it’s a bunch of B.S.,” he said. “I got the short end of the stick once again. I’m not a big name to a lot of people like Leo Santa Cruz is. I feel like that’s why they did it. Continue reading “Cancio fighting for world title – and respect”

Former world champions and top-rated contenders clash when the Philippines’ Marlon Tapales (33-2, 16 KOs) and Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3, 16 KOs) meet for the IBF interim super bantamweight title on December 7 live on Showtime from Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY. The fight was officially announced today.

The telecast is headlined by undefeated WBC middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against Dennis Hogan, and also features middleweights Chris Eubank, Jr. and Matt Korobov squaring off in the co-main event for the WBA interim middleweight title. Continue reading “Tapales-Iwasa added to Dec 7 Showtime card”

Former WBA super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding returns Friday for the first time since losing his world title to Canelo Alvarez last December. Fielding (27-2, 15 KOs) faces Abdallah Paziwapazi (26-6-1, 23 KOs) at the Olympia in his hometown of Liverpool, England, topping an ESPN+ televised card.

At the final press conference, Fielding said, “If he wants to trade, he’ll walk onto one of my shots. He has a lot of stoppages but I’ve been training hard for this fight since it got put to me and we’ve been working on a lot of stuff with Jamie (Moore). He’s a game opponent but I think I’m a class above.” Continue reading “Rocky Fielding back in action Friday”

Unbeaten former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has accepted an offer of a boxing match with UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. “Stipe says he wants to box me, that would be a good fight for sure. After I get Wilder out of the way, I’ll fight Stipe in a boxing match if he wants it. It would be a big crossover fight like Mayweather and McGregor,” Fury told mtkglobal.com. “I’m open to that fight so he should come and see me. It would be the same outcome for any of them, they’ll all get smashed.”

Photos: Team SES / U. Koch – fotobasis.de

WBA #1 rated Dominic Boesel (29-1, 11 KOs) and #3 rated Sven Fornling (15-1, 7 KOs) faced off today at the final press conference for Saturday’s clash for the WBA interim world title on Saturday at the Messe Arena in Halle/Salle, Germany. Fornling’s IBO title will also be on the line. ESPN+ will show the bout in the USA. MDR airs it in Germany.

Dominic Boesel: “Fornling is very sure of himself, I’m sure of myself. Everyone has his confidence and that’s a good thing! The advantage is with me. I’m a better boxer and I hit harder. In the end I’m going to get my way. Fornling is no KO puncher. My knockout ratio is better!”

Sven Fornling: “I’m relaxed, very relaxed. On Saturday Boesel will see what a top fighter is, I’m after all the world champion! For me, this fight is not “50-50” I’m going to knock out him!” Continue reading “Boesel-Fornling Final Press Conference”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne slammed Australian heavyweight Paul Gallen because the Rugby League Football Legend earns ten times the amount of money the Perth-based Browne earns. “The reason I’m not fighting Gallen is Gallen is getting paid ten times more than I am for fighting someone who isn’t a boxer,” Browne said.

“Gallen won’t fight me, because he’ll pay me f**k all like I’m getting anyway. He’s getting paid more than I was paid for fighting for the world title. Six two minute rounds and he’s getting paid over double what I got paid for my world title. Continue reading “Browne slams Gallen, Aussie purses”

Photos: Emily Harney

The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner took place this past Saturday in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. The new CBHOF inductees are boxers Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, “Bad” Chad Dawson, Delvin Rodriguez, Eddie Campo and Teddy “Redtop” Davis, as well as referee Arthur Mercante, Sr.

In addition, undefeated New Haven light heavyweight Charles Foster was honored as 2019 Professional Boxer of the Year, Felix Parilla as Amateur Boxer of the Year, Glenn Feldman as Professional Official of the Year, Sherman Cain for Contribution to Boxing, and Kevin and Rona Smith as Amateur Officials of the Year.

Continue reading “Connecticut BHOF induction dinner”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Australian heavyweight Paul Gallen (9-0, 5 KOs) and Aussie Rules Football legend Barry Hall will clash in Melbourne, Victoria on Friday. The 42-year-old Hall will be making his professional debut against the 38-year-old Gallen, who is a Rugby League Football legend and one of the best heavyweights in Australia.

Gallen said on Channel Sports Sunday, “I will be ready on Friday to stop Hall in his tracks. I will stop his boxing career before it gets started. Continue reading “Australian football legends clash Friday”

No less than eight boxing cards on tap for this week, and in line with the new broadcast landscape of boxing, only one card will be televised, while ALL EIGHT will be live-streamed.

Thursday, November 14 – DAZN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Carlos Morales vs. Mercito Gesta, lightweight
Charles Huerta vs. Jonathan Oquendo, super featherweight

Friday, November 15 – ESPN+, 3 a.m. ET/midnight PT
Andrew Moloney vs. Elton Dharry, super flyweight
Jason Moloney vs. Dixon Flores, bantamweight
Paul Gallen vs. Barry Hall, heavyweight

Friday, November 15 – ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET/noon PT
Rocky Fielding vs. Abdallah Paziwapazi, super middleweight
Martin Murray vs. Sladan Janjanin, super middleweight
Terry Flanagan vs. Jayro Duran, super lightweight

Friday, November 15 – UFC Fight Pass, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Junior Fa vs. Devin Vargas, heavyweight
Hemi Ahio vs. Joshua Tufte, heavyweight
Ivan Golub vs. Janer Gonzalez, welterweight

Friday, November 15 – Showtime, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
Erik Vega Ortiz vs. Alberto Palmetta, welterweight
Marcos Escudero vs. Joseph George, light heavyweight
Amilcar Vidal vs. Zach Prieto, middleweight

Saturday, November 16 – ESPN+, 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
Dominic Boesel vs. Sven Fornling, light heavyweight
Mohammed Rabii vs. Jesus Gurrola, super welterweight
Peter Kadiru vs. Perdo Martinez, heavyweight
Stefan Haertel vs. David Zegarra, super middleweight

Saturday, November 16 – ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET/noon PT
Lee McGregor vs. Kash Farooq, bantamweight
Kieran Smith vs. Vincenzo Bevilacqua, super welterweight

Saturday, November 16 – Facebook Watch, approx 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Pablo Cesar Cano vs. Roberto Ortiz, super lightweight
Ricardo Sandoval vs. Gilberto Gonzalez, lightweight

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) today announced the honorees for the 2020 Induction Ceremony to be held June 26-28, 2020. The legendary boxers, trainers, promoters, matchmakers, media, and special contributors being enshrined into the 2020 Hall of Fame includes: Roy Jones, Sergio Martinez, Riddick Bowe, Pernell Whitaker, AL Cole, Ernest Bing, Tony Thornton, Sr., Calvin Grove, Percy Richardson, Tommy Parks, Earl Morton, Steve Weisfeld, Ron Katz, Murad Muhammad, Marc Abrams, Al Bernstein, and Laoma Byrd.

The event takes place at the historic Claridge Radisson Hotel, located on Park Place & the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

WBO jr featherweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete may headline a December 7 ESPN+ world title doubleheader with IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas defending his belt in the co-feature. According to the network’s website, Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) will likely be defending against WBO #13 rated Francisco Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs), while Ancajas’ opponent is TBA. The location of the event is Puebla, Mexico. Navarrete would be making his fourth title defense in seven months. Ancajas was scheduled to fight Jonathan Rodriguez on November 2 in Carson, California, but that fight was canceled due to a visa issue with Rodriguez.